Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has made his first public appearance since his suspension from office following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
The governor was seen attending a Sunday service at the headquarters of Salvation Ministries in GRA, Port Harcourt.
Fubara’s appearance comes just days after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on Tuesday, March 19, citing escalating political tensions and security concerns. As part of the emergency measures, Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended. In their place, Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for an initial period of six months.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions from political stakeholders, legal practitioners, and civil society groups. Meanwhile, the newly appointed Sole Administrator has already taken steps to assert control. Since assuming office, he has held emergency security meetings with law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, and local government administrators. During these meetings, he confirmed the release of withheld state allocations and directed the immediate processing of payments for local government workers.
Ibas has also inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, promising to ensure its timely completion for the stability of governance.
Governor Fubara attended the church service with his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
